Motorbike Rental Chiang Mai: 9 Best Scooter Shops

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Motorbike rental in Chiang Mai can be overwhelming with so many rental shops in the city – not all of them good ones!  

You want a reputable motorbike rental shop that keeps their bikes in good condition and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Or maybe you want to ride to Pai and leave the bike there? There’s a shop for that too! 

Let me make renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai easier for you! 

As a traveler turned resident of Chiang Mai, I’ve navigated through the ins and outs of motorbike rentals. My own Chiang Mai motorbike rental costs about $2.53 USD per day.

I’ll share with you my top picks for the best motorbike rental shops in Chiang Mai in 2023. 

Looking for the pros and cons of renting a scooter in Chiang Mai, motorbike safety tips, and things to do before you leave the motorbike rental shop?

Grab your helmet and get ready to hit the road with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you’re renting from a reliable place!

👉 I use this travel insurance, which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident, as long as I am appropriately licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand, that’s an International Driver’s Permit validated for motorcycles) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet. 

1. Mango Bikes Rentals: My Top Pick for Motorbike Rental Chiang Mai

Mango Bikes Rentals is my top pick for renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai, and also the #1 recommendation by other expats who live in Chiang Mai. 

Not only do they have some of the cheapest rates in town, but their well-maintained bikes will ensure a smooth ride, whether you’re zipping through the city or exploring the countryside. 

Plus, their friendly, English-speaking staff will help you choose the perfect bike for your needs, including newer models for you to try out. 

You can expect to pay 250 baht per day for a Honda Click 125CC and more for a more powerful bike. Because I rented my motorbike for 6 weeks, I was able to negotiate to less than $3 USD per day (during the rainy season). 

Mango Bikes are so popular during the high season that they often run out of bikes. Don’t worry – there are plenty more amazing shops for your motorbike rental in Chiang Mai!

🛵 Want to explore Northern Thailand on your motorbike but don’t want to do it alone? My pick is this Seven Day Mae Hong Son & Golden Triangle Guided motorbike Tour, with a near-perfect 5-star rating. It’s more fun (and safe!) to ride the windy roads with friends!

2. Cat Motors

Discover the beauty of Chiang Mai on two wheels with Cat Motors, one of the most sought-after motorbike rental shops in town. And I’m not just saying that because we share a name! 

Cat Motors knows how important it is to have a reliable motorbike – it’s a rental company created by travelers. They’ll help you in any situation with their motorbike, even if you’re thousands of miles from the shop. 

Their medical insurance for drivers and passengers covers up to 300,000 baht each, and they’l help you deal with the claim.

Like many motorbike rental companies in Chiang Mai, they won’t rent a motorbike out to first-time riders due to the number of motorcycle accidents that happen in Thailand. Just one example of how they care for travelers! 

You can get some great deals on monthly rentals at Cat. Prices are comparable to the other top motorbike rental shops in Chiang Mai at around 200-300 baht per day.

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

3. Bamboo Bikes Chiang Mai

Get ready for your Chiang Mai adventure – and let Bamboo Bikes take you there! 

For only 100-250 baht/day, hop on the newest model Honda Click 125cc and explore every corner of the city.

Their friendly staff will guide you on the best places to visit in town and which scams to avoid while traveling in Thailand. They really care!

One customer brought back their bike with a broken mirror, and the Bamboo staff immediately reassured them that it was broken by the previous user and not to worry, they’d fix it – very honest! 

Bamboo is a solid choice for motorbike rental in Chiang Mai.

👉 If you’re short on time and don’t want to spend hours in crowded public transport, check out this Chiang Rai Temples Private Tour from Chiang Mai. It has over 200 5-Star reviews and includes the most famous White Temple plus lesser-known ones without so many tourists.

4. Vanessa’s Motorbike Rental Chiang Mai

If you’re in Chiang Mai, Vanessa’s Motorbike Hire is a no-brainer! 

You’re in good hands with Vanessa. Not only does she speak English, but she takes incredible care of her bikes and makes the rental process a breeze, with quick replies on Facebook Messenger. 

You won’t break the bank either; she’s one of the cheapest motorbike rental shops in Chiang Mai that doesn’t sacrifice quality. If that’s not enough to convince you, there’s even a cat at the shop! 

👉 Find the best local tours with Viator (and the best deals)!

5. Zippy Motorbike Rentals

As an Australian-owned and managed business, Zippy Motorbike Rentals know the importance of great customer service. 

Their motorbikes are top-notch and come at competitive prices, allowing you to enjoy your ride smoothly without breaking the bank. 

You can easily reach them through Facebook Messenger or email. 

Customers have rated them highly and have even taken their motorbikes on the famous Mae Hong Son loop. And if something goes wrong, don’t sweat it! Zippy Motorbike Rentals will charge a fair price for any repairs needed. 

👉 I use this travel insurance, which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident, as long as I am appropriately licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand, that’s an International Driver’s Permit validated for motorcycles) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet. 

6. Happy Days Shop

Look no further than Happy Days Shop for your motorbike rental in Chiang Mai! 

With a near-perfect 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, they won’t disappoint.

Their motorbikes are in great condition and have a good selection to choose from, including bikes equipped to handle the Mae Hong Son Loop with ease. 

And with competitive prices and an easy rental process, you’ll be hitting the road in no time. Happy days with this motorbike hire Chiang Mai, indeed!

👉 Check out this full-day Chiang Dao Kayaking, Caving, and Jungle Tour from Chiang Mai. You’ll get to kayak along the Mae Ping River, surrounded by a tranquil forest and a bamboo jungle, greeted by water buffalo and birds. After a local lunch, you’ll explore the Chiang Dao Cave System with headlamps and flashlights.

7. C&P Big Bike Rental Chiang Mai

If a bigger motorcycle rental in Chiang Mai, C&P Big Bike Chiang Mai is the big bike rental shop for you. That’s been their specialty for over 25 years. 

As with the other shops, C&P books up during the high season (November through February) so it’s recommended to reserve your bike in advance. All reservations require a nonrefundable 20% deposit paid via bank transfer or Paypal. 

Your rental includes 2 helmets. Top box, and third-party insurance. 

They also rent out motorcycle jackets and side cases if you need them. 

C&P is the place for a big motorbike rental in Chiang Mai! 

👉 I love how easy it is to compare the major car rental companies to find the best price with this tool.

8. D2 Bike 

If you’re looking to roam the streets of Chiang Mai on a motorcycle, look no further than D2 Bike! 

Their smooth process and a great selection of bikes (tailored to your adventure) make for a fantastic experience. 

The owner is not only accommodating but fluent in English as well, making communication a breeze. 

And don’t just take it from me – customers who try D2 tend to return thanks to their quick issue resolution and overall trustworthiness. 

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with SafetyWing travel insurance.

9. AYA Service: One-Way Rental With Drop-off in Pai

Are you venturing through Chiang Mai and looking to explore Pai without having to ride back? 

AYA Service may not be the *best* motorbike rental shop in town, but it’s one of the few that operates in both cities and allows you to drop off the bike in Pai! 

For only 500 baht per day, you can rent a 160cc motorbike and cruise through the winding roads to Pai stress-free. Plus, for just 100 baht per backpack, AYA will even transport your luggage to Pai.

Before taking off, make sure to inspect the bike carefully – especially the brakes – since you’ll need them to tackle the thrilling route to Pai.

🛵 Want to explore Northern Thailand on your motorbike but don’t want to do it alone? My pick is this Seven Day Mae Hong Son & Golden Triangle Guided motorbike Tour, with a near-perfect 5-star rating. It’s more fun (and safe!) to ride the windy roads with friends!

How Much Does Motorbike Rental in Chiang Mai Cost?

A motorbike rental in Chiang Mai is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of Thailand’s northern city. 

And here’s the good news, folks – motorbike rental prices won’t put a dent in your travel budget, ranging between 200-250 baht per day ($6-$7 USD) for basic models like the Honda Click 125CC. 

For longer rentals during the low season, you might even be able to haggle a better price.

I negotiated a great deal during the rainy season for my 41-day motorbike rental – just 3,600 baht (under $3 a day)! 

Keep in mind, you’ll need to hand over a cash deposit of 1,000-5,000 baht ($28-140 USD), but it’s fully refunded when you return the bike in good condition.

Documents Required for Chiang Mai Motorbike Rental

Ready to explore Chiang Mai’s hidden gems on a motorbike? Here’s what you’ll need for a smooth rental experience: 

• A valid passport – most places will make a copy, however, some shops may want to keep your passport in their possession. Personally, I won’t use a company that keeps my passport.

• An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) VALID FOR MOTORCYCLES – the motorbike rental company won’t ask for your IDP but it’s required by law in Thailand. Without it, you may be fined.  

• A cash deposit of around 1,000 to 5,000 baht

• Travel Insurance that covers motorbike accidents – not required, but highly recommended!

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

How to Get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) 

Travelers can get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) by applying for one before they travel, in the same country that issued them a national driving license. 

The US application process includes filling out a form and submitting it — in person or via mail — along with two identical two-inch by two-inch, passport-sized photos, a copy of the traveler’s valid U.S. driver’s license, and a fee of $20.

The traveler can download the application from AAA or pick one up at a AAA branch office and bring it to their nearest AAA branch office. If you’re already overseas, you can complete the whole process by mail, but you should expect it to take 5-7 weeks to get your IDP.

👉 My pick for the best hostel in Chiang Mai is Hostel Lullaby. I stayed here multiple times when I was backpacking Thailand. It’s a quiet hostel that attracts more mature backpackers and is in a great location with super comfortable beds with curtains and rooms with A/C. I made so many friends who I traveled with all over Northern Thailand at the complimentary breakfast.

What Happens If You’re Caught Driving a Scooter Without a Proper License in Thailand?

This happened to me, unfortunately.

But first, most travel insurance companies won’t cover you for an accident if you’re not properly licensed in the country you’re driving in, so keep that in mind.

So here’s what happened to me –

I got stopped at one of the police checkpoints in Chiang Mai and showed them my International Driver’s Permit. Unfortunately, my IDP is only valid for driving cars, not motorcycles.

The police officer write me a ticket for 500 baht (about $15 USD), which I had to pay down the road at the Traffic Police Station. I paid the fine and received a receipt that is basically a “get out of ticket” paper that will get me out of the same ticket for the next 3 days. Kind of silly.

I decided to just treat that as part of my transportation costs in Thailand, since I’m only living here for a couple of months. But a lot of expats who decide to stay a while go get their motorcycle license in Thailand (if they didn’t already have one from home). That’s the safer way to go.

Choose the Right Motorbike Rental in Chiang Mai

For city center sightseeing, a lightweight motorbike like the Honda Scoopy 110CC or Honda Click 125CC can take you anywhere you want without breaking a sweat.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous ride to Sticky Waterfall or Pai, my reliable Honda Click 125CC can conquer any terrain you throw at it! This is the scooter I’ve been riding while living in Chiang Mai and it’s worked out wonderfully. 

But if your itinerary includes trips outside of Chiang Mai, into the surrounding mountains or jungles, a sturdy Yamaha NMax 155CC can provide all the extra power you need while ensuring comfort for multiple riders. 

Just let your rental shop know what kind of trip you have in mind and they’ll recommend the perfect ride for you! 

👉 I love how easy it is to compare the major car rental companies to find the best price with this tool.

Where to Go with Your Motorbike in Chiang Mai

• Bua Thong Waterfalls: This unique waterfall is often called the “Sticky Waterfall” due to its unusual feature of allowing visitors to walk up its slippery rocks. Don’t forget to bring water shoes!

• Doi Ang Kang: Ride through scenic roads to Doi Ang Kang – a remote area a few hours from Chiang Mai on the border of Myanmar, abundant in bird species. Enjoy fast twisty roads, steep climbs, and high mountain passes with breathtaking views. 

• Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep: Sitting atop Doi Suthep Mountain, this iconic temple provides breathtaking views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding area. Be sure to dress conservatively if you’re planning on visiting.

• Samoeng Loop: Discover the best of Chiang Mai on the Samoeng Loop! A twisting 100 km circuit through the mountains, this ride is loved by both cyclists and motorcyclists. Take your pick between clockwise or counter-clockwise and get ready for endless adventure on winding paved roads. 

• Huay Tung Tao Lake: This peaceful lake is a great place to cool off during hot days and spend a few hours just soaking in the atmosphere. A few food stalls are located nearby in case you need a snack.

• Pai, Doi Inthanon, Mae Hong Son Loop: If you’re looking for an adventure that goes beyond Chiang Mai’s boundaries then this road trip through some of Thailand’s most scenic areas might be just what you’re looking for. Make sure your motorbike can handle long rides before embarking on the journey!

• Mae Sa Waterfall: This majestic cascade is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. With plenty of trails and paths to explore, you can see the beauty of nature up close and personal.

👉 If you’re short on time and don’t want to spend hours in crowded public transport, check out this Chiang Rai Temples Private Tour from Chiang Mai. It has over 200 5-Star reviews and includes the most famous White Temple plus lesser-known ones without so many tourists.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Budget

My pick for the best hostel in Chiang Mai is Hostel Lullaby. I stayed here multiple times when I was backpacking Thailand. It’s a quiet hostel that attracts more mature backpackers and is in a great location with super comfortable beds that have curtains, and rooms that have A/C. I made so many friends at the complimentary breakfast who I traveled with all over Northern Thailand.

Mid-Range

My top pick for a hotel in Chiang Mai is POR Thapae Gate because it’s in the perfect location and has a great breakfast! The staff here is amazing, and you’ll love having a relaxing place to come home to after a full day of exploring.

Luxury

My pick for the best 5-star luxury hotel in Chiang Mai is Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai, with a near-perfect 10 rating and a swimming pool. This is the tranquil retreat from the city you need! 

Motorbike Rental in Chiang Mai FAQs

Final Thoughts: Best Motorbike Rental in Chiang Mai

Motorbike rental in Chiang Mai is an easy, affordable, and fun way to explore the city. 

You don’t need a motorcycle license to take advantage of the freedom and convenience that comes with having your own two-wheeler. 

With a great selection of Chiang Mai motorbike rental shops, you can easily find the perfect bike for whatever type of adventure you’re after. 

My top pick for motorbike rental in Chiang Mai is Mango, but there are several other highly-rated rental shops – any of them is a great option.

So go ahead – hop on your new ride and make some amazing memories!

👉 I use this travel insurance, which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident, as long as I am appropriately licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand, that’s an International Driver’s Permit validated for motorcycles) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet.